If you are a long time follower, you may remember this project that Rose did before she started blogging.
She made a chalkboard out of a chair seat. Isn’t it cool? If you haven’t visited Rose lately, you need to go see what she’s been up to. If you’ve NEVER been there, you’re really missing out on some great inspiration. Rose has always inspired me, it even happened last week.
I’ve been piddling around with mixing my own chalkboard paint for an upcoming show. I was looking for something unique to use for a stand-up chalkboard.
Do you remember this trim I showed you recently? I decided I was going to use the white piece. So, I went searching in the garage for something to use with it.
This chair seat just jumped out at me!
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Notice how the chair seat has that notched out section. I put it on the trim and traced the outline. FYI I did not pay $3.50 for the trim. It was 50% off at Peddler’s. Ohhh, how sad. Peddler’s closed Tuesday. I did not make it up there because of Kitty. Okay, getting sidetracked.
I used a bit in my drill to make a hole.
I clamped the piece of trim to the work table.
I used the jigsaw to cut out the lines I traced. Voila! It stands up all by itself! See the curved parts?
This is how it looked before I cut the curves. I thought that the lines didn’t flow well with the curvature of the seat.
I used a washer to trace the curve.
I cut this little line with the jigsaw.
I couldn’t decide whether to used the “seat” side or the underneath side. I kept flipping it around trying to see which I liked best. The seat side was in better shape, but because it was a seat it had “butt dips” hahaha So, I decided to go with the underneath side.
I sanded the finish off and filled the holes with spackling.
I gathered my supplies to mix my own chalkboard paint.
Look! I’ve already found a use for my new cheapo measuring spoon! The recipe calls for 8 oz of (flat latex) paint and 2 tbsp of non sanded white grout. I actually use that little 2 oz container to measure my paint.
If you’ve never mixed your own chalkboard paint this may look funny to you. It turns into a funny consistency. I actually add about 1 tbsp of water to my homemade chalkboard paint to thin it a little. The paint I used for this mixture was semi-gloss. I’m not a fan of following rules.
Do you remember this recent find of “oops” paint? See the one on the right (bottom).
It just so happens to look a LOT like heirloom white! In fact I like it better. It doesn’t have the yellow (buttery) tint to it. I painted the stand . . .
. . . and the back of the chalkboard with it.
After you let your paint dry, you sand it with 150 grit sand paper and then condition your chalkboard like you normally would with the chalk on it’s side. I put three coats of paint on this chalkboard, and I let it cure a couple of days before I conditioned it with the chalk.
The board is a little rough, but I love the way it turned out. It will allow me to display it easily on a table at my show.
Thank you Rose for inspiring me! You’re the bestest!
Now an update about Kitty. She came home early Tuesday morning with one of those silly collars to keep her from licking her privates. She is very raw and sore. The initial results came back with a bladder infection. Awaiting more test results Wednesday to see if she has renal failure.
If you’ve ever had a pet with one of those collars on, you know how sad it is. Poor thing keeps walking into things, because the collar sticks out so much. Then she backs up as though she’s trying to “back out of the collar”.
Poor Kitty! The Dr. says she has to wear it for at least a week. She hasn’t really figured out how to eat with it on. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Speaking of tomorrow, I’m really excited about the project I’m working on. Hopefully it will be completed for me to show you. Here’s a hint.
till then,
gail
I would have never thought to mix your own chalkboard paint-I don’t like they’re pink color-so now I can make something lighter!
Gail, thanks for another great tip on how to make your own chalk board paint! love this idea. chalkboard paint is expensive (in my thrifty opinion!)
Another great project. Don’t you know the animals really, really love the lamp shade collars!
Making that seat fit the molding was a wonderful idea! And I didn’t think I would like the red chalkboard color, being the chalkboard purist that I am (lol) but it really looks fantastic. It’s so perfect for the booth when you sell the kits.
You are definitely the one inspiring me, girl!
Poor Kitty, hope she’s doing better.
Always wantd to make my own chalkboard paint… even bought the grout. Now I just need to do it. Thanks for the courage 🙂
~Emily N. from “too Blessed to Stress”
You can never go wrong with chalkboard! Nice project, love the color you choose.
the chalkboard it so neat- how great to make your own colored chalkboard paint! and i hope your poor kitty is better soon…. i always feel bad for animals as they look so ashamed! did you see the movie, “up”? in it the dogs call it “the cone of shame.” it cracks me up!
the chalkboard it so neat- how great to make your own colored chalkboard paint! and i hope your poor kitty is better soon…. i always feel bad for animals as they look so ashamed! did you see the movie, “up”? in it the dogs call it “the cone of shame.” it cracks me up!
Poor sweet Kitty. I hope she is feeling better. To help her eat, you might want to see if she will lick wet food or baby food off of the back of a spoon.
The chalkboard looks GREAT!
Oh Gail! Love this chalkboard stand – what a great idea!!! And who knew you could mix up your own colored chalkboard paint!?! Ingenious!! 🙂
Poor kitty. There are inflatable collars available now that seem to be a little less bothersome. I, sadly , have a LOT of experience with renal failure in cats. If diagnosed early, there are treatments that will prolong a happy life for your cat.
As for the chalkboard paint, I have read that it is now available in different colors. Your recipe is a great idea. Mix the color you want in the quantity you need. Fab idea.
Your poor kitty! My heart goes out to her. Your ideas are so inspirational. After finding your blog last week I am now addicted and can’t wait to see what you have come with day after day! Thank you so much!
I had never heard of this recipe before. Very cool idea to get that custom color. I don’t have the non sanded grout though. It would really be rough if I used the sanded! It turned out great. I love how you propped it up.
Love the way it looks! Poor kitty, my dog had to wear one once and it was sad to see him look at me as if to say “why are you doing this to me”. If only they knew it was for their own good.
Have a great day.
I am so sorry to hear Kitty is not doing well!!
Thanks for the tutorial on mixing your own chalkboard paint! What a novel concept… Now I can make custom chalkboards for the boys’ rooms.
Take care now,
Peggy
Very cool Gail! I love it!
Poor Kitty! Poor you!You girls hang in there! Sending lots of positive energy your way.
Katy
I’d never heard of anyone mixing their own chalkboard paint. It’s nice to know that you can use colors other than the charcoal color it usually comes in. Great idea using the chair seat with the trim to make it a stand alone display.